Context Development
Context is a real estate development company focused on high-rise residential developments in downtown Toronto. Founded in 1997 by Stephen Gross and Howard Cohen, Context is known for sensitive urban design and sleek, contemporary architecture. Their relationship with Toronto architecture firm architectsAlliance has resulted in many award winning ,critically acclaimed, and economically viable condominium developments.
Projects
District Lofts
A 14 storey, 148 unit condominium development near Richmond St. and Spadina Ave. Designed by architectsAlliance in 2001, the building is designed to formally respect its neighbourhood. The lower 6 storeys contain retail, two levels of parking and three levels of suites. Above this, the building steps back to match the heights of surrounding buildings, and splits into two towers with a courtyard between. Suites in each tower are two-storey units that run the full depth of each floor, allowing for ample daylight and natural ventilation.
MOZO
At 13 Storeys, and 207 Units, MOZO shares many of the same design principles as District Lofts. The lower 8 storeys contain mixed uses and are clad in brick to match neighbouring buildings around its Adelaide and Sherbourne location. Above this, the top 5 storeys are stepped back and the cladding changes to sleek steel and glass. Suites are 1 and 2 levels.
Radio City
Consisting of two high-rise, point block towers at 25 and 30 storeys and a row of townhouses, the Radio City development is sited on the former studio location of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation near Jarvis St. and Carlton St. Completed in 2006, they were the first example of point towers in Toronto, a slim style of tower that originated in Vancouver.
Tip Top Lofts
Formerly the headquarters of Tip Top Tailors, in 2005, Context added 6 stories to the existing 5 storey, U-shaped warehouse on Lakeshore Blvd. Once again, architectsAlliance were hired for the job. While this project shares the stepped back form characteristic of Context projects, in this case the step back was a tool for differentiating the existing art deco facade from the new glass and steel addition.
External Links
Context official website architectsAlliance official website